Want a half day trip from Shanghai? The Zhujiajiao ancient water town is a nice choice. Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is a nice destination to contrast with high-rise modern Shanghai, only an hour from downtown Shanghai. It's quite large at half a square mile, and well endowed with waterways, 36 ancient bridges, and traditional Chinese-style residences.

•  Location: Qingpu District, one hour from central Shanghai;

•  Recommended stay: Half a day;

•  Activities: Boating, walking, and photography;

•  Suitable for: Travelers who have limited time;

•  Features: Canals, bridges, and ancient buildings, very busy (especially at weekends) and very commercial;

You don’t need to walk around with a ticket. It is an official tourist area, but some attractions and buildings require a ticket, available at the main gate.

What to see

Kezhi Yuan

The word “kezhi” means to learn to plant. The area consists of a main hall, a garden, and an artificial hill.

Qing Dynasty Post Office

It is said to be the best preserved of its era in China. There are many exhibits, among them old letters written on bamboo and antique post cards of old Shanghai.

Fangsheng Bridge

It was built in 1812 and is said to be the largest stone arch bridge in Shanghai. One way to see the bridges is to go by boat.

Zhujiajiao Cruise

Small boats here seat 5 adults or 6 children. There are two kinds of trip – short distance and long distance. The short distance trip take passengers up and down the main canal,, while the long distance cruise travel all over the town and back.

Transportation information

Address: Zhujiajiao Ancient District, Kezhi Garden Road, Qingpu District. 

Taxi: You can show the address above to the driver.

Bus: There is a tourist bus from Shanghai Stadium (Gate 5) in the mornings. There is also an inexpensive small pink bus that leaves from the Puanlu Bus Station or the Shanghai Ti Yu Guan Station. Take the bus line called Hùzhū Gāosù Kuàixiàn. The trip takes about an hour.

The morning and the nightfall are the most charming times of the day in Zhujiajiao ancient water town. If you plan to have a visit, click our recommended tour below.

Shanghai Suburb Water Village Half Day Tour

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